Baccarat is a timeless casino game that has been captivating players for centuries. From sticky-floor California card rooms to tuxedo-laden Monaco casinos, this popular card game has found a home in almost every part of the world.
While many gamblers know baccarat from a scene in the first James Bond movie, there is much more to the game than meets the eye. From its origins in 15th century Italy to its current popularity in Asian countries, there is a lot to learn about this captivating game. Here are 16 fascinating facts about Baccarat that will give you a deeper appreciation of this timeless classic.
1. Baccarat is One of the Most Difficult Casino Games to Cheat
While the odds of winning are low, it’s still possible to beat the house in baccarat by following some simple strategies. Unlike blackjack and poker, where the player can influence the outcome of a hand by manipulating the cards in their own favor, cheating in baccarat is nearly impossible. It would require access to a corrupt computer program that could rig the results of the game after seeing all the bets, which is why the game is regarded as one of the most difficult casino games to cheat in.
2. The Winning Hand is Determined by Counting Points
While there are different types of bets in baccarat, the overall goal is to have the hand you’re betting on (Player or Banker) come closest to nine points when all the pips (the dots on the cards that represent clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) are added up. Picture cards and tens are worth zero points, while cards numbered 2-9 are worth their face value, and the ace is worth one point. Once the total reaches a double digit, you simply subtract 10 or drop the first numeral to get the new number.
3. If the Player and Banker Have the Same Points, It’s a Tie
While it’s not common, sometimes the player and banker will have the same score in baccarat. When this happens, the game ends in a tie and all bets on the Player and Banker are returned. This is the only time in baccarat that bets on the Tie are paid.
4. Don’t Bet on the Tie – It Has a High House Edge
Even though the payouts for baccarat side bets are higher than those for the Banker and Player, they have a very high house edge of over 4%. This makes them a poor choice in the long run, and it’s best to avoid them altogether.
5. There are a Few Rules to Playing Baccarat
Before you can start playing baccarat, it’s important to understand the rules and the game’s strategy. There are a few different rules to playing the game, and each variant can have a slightly different house edge. This is why it’s important to play the game at a reputable online casino and read up on the rules before depositing any cash.
